Nothing against dogs, but the all-purpose, use-every-day backpack is man’s real best friend. And there’s a range of stand-out designs this season that’ll fit any scenario – hiking, heading to the gym, the office or a weekend away. We’ve helpfully ordered them from most to least expensive.

Filson Rucksack

If you’re looking for a bag that will thrive in the great outdoors, turn to this American brand, which has been making bags since 1897. This army-green backpack is trimmed with dark-brown bridle leather straps and, in case by “great outdoors” you mean your local park, is spacious enough for a 16in laptop. £305, buy on mrporter.com

Brooks England Pickzip

Modelled on the heritage brand’s Pickwick rolltop rucksack, this medium-sized bag has a zip opening for easier access, is made from water-resistant cotton with plush leather detailing and has an internal laptop sleeve. £230, buy on brooksengland.com

Finisterre Waterproof Rucksack

It’s sleek-looking, but it’s also totally waterproof. Add in the padded back and you’ve got a great choice for people who cycle to work. Because no matter how fastidiously you check your weather app, one day you will find yourself cycling in the rain. £135, buy on finisterre.com

Arc’teryx Blade 20

You want compartments? The minimalist design of the Blade 20 incorporates six of them. There are two padded sleeves for a laptop and documents, and tablet; a main zipped compartment for clothes; a front zipped organiser pockets for phones, wallets and notepads; a side pocket and a stash pocket on the back. £120, buy on arcteryx.com

Heimplanet Arc

The sleek design on this 20-litre lightweight backpack hides plenty of functional details, like gear loops, webbing, and detachable sternum and hip straps. With a 15in laptop pocket and plenty of internal pockets for the trappings of a mobile office, it can also see you through a day working (or web surfing) at your local coffee shop. £115, buy on bearandbear.com

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Eastpak Fluster

What would a best backpacks round-up be without an Eastpak model? Actually, this one’s a little different to the bags you’ll typically see on lots of shoulders – its silhouette is almost that of a hiking bag but has enough style to pass muster in the office. The functional details – a holder on the top flat for travel cards and a roomy padded laptop sleeve – are also welcome. £70, buy on asos.com

PacSafe Slingsafe LX400

This good-looking backpack is also one tough cookie thanks to its slew of anti-theft features. All the compartments and straps are toughened so they’re slashproof, a handy hook means you can attach your bag to a nearby pole to stymie snatchers, and there’s even a pocket that stops hackers from tapping into your contactless cards and gizmos. Remember, just because you’re paranoid… £67.99, buy on outdoorgb.com

Weekday Pocket Backpack

Just need an affordable backpack? Swerve Sports Direct and co, and pick up this stylish nylon number. £35, buy on shop.weekday.com

Animal Clash

Animal has slapped its signature British camo print over hardwearing polyester, meaning you won’t have to Tipp-Ex the names of your favourite bands all over it to make it look cool. It’s designed to fit your A4 documents, and comes with an internal pocket to keep your important files separate from your crustless jam sandwiches. £32.99, buy on animal.co.uk

Mi-Pac Seaside Stripe Backpack

Just because this striking striped backpack has the looks doesn’t mean it lacks for useful features. And with a padded laptop compartment and internal media pocket and headphone port, it’s great value for under £30. £29.99, buy on mi-pac.com